Sandra Lee/Parental Guidance

I'm not saying a child's word is law but I think educators and staff should take a minute to hear a child if there's a question, especially one regarding safety. And I would argue that it is not safer to place the child on a bus and drop them off somewhere without their parent or authorized adult waiting for them.

As I said in the blog, there were no written instructions from the parent to go by or to override in favor of what the child was saying. In this particular case because this parent was informed by the school last spring that her child was not eligible for the bus she assumed the school knew her child would be going home with her as she hadn't received any other instructions (and was not the only parent to fail to receive this information). And in that case, I think it is the school's responsibility to ensure that new parents know what forms they need to fill out and if they haven't done so to inquire why without arbitrarily putting a kid on a bus.

This was her first child's first day in the school system and she wasn't lazy. She wasn't informed. And how could she know any better if she's never done this before?

A better way to handle this situation - and less traumatic to the child and parent - would be what my school district does. If a parent did not complete this form by the first day of school, the school's policy is that the child would be sent to the main office to await the parent who would have to complete the form at that time. Communication laps solved and the child is safe.

Kid's Halloween Costume Photo Contest at www.parenthoodnj.com; just submit a photo and get friends to vote for you. The one with the most votes wins a Dunkin' Donuts Halloween Gift Pack. Contest runs until Oct. 20, 2010

Kid's Halloween Costume Photo Contest at www.parenthoodnj.com; just submit a photo and get friends to vote for you. The one with the most votes wins a Dunkin' Donuts Halloween Gift Pack. Contest runs until Oct. 20, 2010

Kid's Halloween Costume Photo Contest at www.parenthoodnj.com; just submit a photo and get friends to vote for you. The one with the most votes wins a Dunkin' Donuts Halloween Gift Pack. Contest runs until Oct. 20, 2010

Yes, the link posted by Justin.Langley refers to a 2006 recall. However, my blog and the press release on the FDA's and Similac's website that I linked to refers to a recall announced today - Sept. 22, 2010.

FYI There are some mistakes for some of the events. For example, it says the Nutley celebration and fireworks (in Essex County) will take place Monday but this will be on SUNDAY, July 4 according to Nutley's home page. I've posted a bunch of events including the correct info as well as shore towns and other counties here: http://www.parenthoodnj.com/holiday-events-calendar.html

FYI There are some mistakes for some of the events. For example, it says the Nutley celebration and fireworks (in Essex County) will take place Monday but this will be on SUNDAY, July 4 according to Nutley's home page. I've posted a bunch of events including the correct info as well as shore towns and other counties here: http://www.parenthoodnj.com/holiday-events-calendar.html

Oddly enough I copied and pasted the url directly from the Little Pim website but had to remove a \ to make it work. It should work now. FYI, I believe itunes also has a free podcast for Little Pim as well as other foreign language resources.

Hmm, I just tested the link and it works for me. The links in the blog work for me, too. But you can also just go to www.parenthoodnj.com and then click on the "health & safety" tab at the top of the page to see what I've put together as a list of resources for more information.

Obviously people need to make a decision for themselves and their families and discuss with their doctors on whether medical history, health issues, and any other concerns they have to decide whether they should or should not get the vaccine. There are other sources of information on the virus, the vaccine - some which can get overwhelming - that answers some questions the CDC doesn't. I provided a link to a list of information sources I've gathered in my blog post, but here it is again for easy reference:
http://www.parenthoodnj.com/health--safety.html

I think almost every parent has used the TV in some fashion to occupy their child for a few minutes (whether they're teething or mom just wants a few minutes to herself). I, too, would be interested to see a study saying whether the Baby Einstein DVDs are any worse than similar ones out there. I think when it comes to things like this moderation is really what's important

I actually didn't say which side I was on, but personally I'm a candy lover and agree with the "one night a year" philosophy. That said, I don't mind seeing some of her loot bag being filled with other fun things that might - just might - last a little longer.
And yes, I know exactly how hard it is to clean up stickers and play doh as my daughter is a big fan of both right now

I am so sorry to hear about Jody's experience, which really supports the point I was trying to make.

My original post was inspired by my own feelings and doubts and I thought sharing them would help others going through the same thing know they weren't alone and hopefully we'd all get some good feedback. I still hope some people out there read it and can post their tips.

As far as preschool, for those who care to know, the first day was today and we both did well. Did she cry and get clingy? Yes. Did I feel guilty? Yes. However, many of my concerns and fears were alleviated once we were there and watching her eventually settle in calmed my concerns for her. It won't be an easy transition, but after today I know it won't be an impossible one either.

Just to be clear, I didn't say there was no civility left in the world although sometimes it seems diminished, especially on the internet - for reasons Bart aptly explained.

It is interesting that Bart says I'm not "real" on the internet and I can see why, and I'm not arguing that point because I think for some that probably is how they see me. But it's also interesting how many people follow blogs, other people's tweets (on twitter) to see what those unreal people are saying and doing. But that sounds like a topic for another day!

I am thankful every day that I've been fortunate enough to be able to wait this long. But I am disappointed that you made the comment you did instead of offering some advice. I'm sure you must have something constructive to say if you did have put your child in daycare early that moms out there could benefit from, whether they're putting their infant in childcare tomorrow or sending their toddler off to preschool.

I was serious and I was voicing some concerns and fears that not only I was experiencing but other mothers I've talked to have gone through (or are going through). Just because we have these concerns or fears does not necessarily mean I (or other moms) are voicing those concerns to their child or preventing their child from growing up or being independent. My daughter has been babysat by other friends and family, regularly plays with others and is encouraged to be independent as well as part of a team. And she is going to preschool so I'm not holding her back.
And yes, I know she's growing up and I can't stop that but it doesn't mean it isn't a little scary to basically be sending her off to be with strangers for the first time, which is why I was hoping for some support and advice from other parents.

And I'm sure I'll eventually accept this as I have other changes in our lives but was hoping there would be advice out there to make it just a little easier.